A nurse is teaching a client about adequate nutrition and hydration for the client with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). What is important to teach the client? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason: This is not the highest priority client because a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common and treatable condition that affects the lower urinary system, such as the bladder or urethra. A fever of 38.5°C and flank pain can indicate that the infection has spread to the upper urinary system, such as the kidneys, which can cause pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis is a serious but not lifethreatening complication that requires antibiotic therapy and hydration. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, urine output, and pain level and administer the prescribed medication and fluids.

Choice B reason: This is not the highest priority client because a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower extremities. A positive Homans' sign and edema in the affected leg can indicate that the clot is causing inflammation and obstruction of the blood flow. DVT is a serious but not lifethreatening complication that requires anticoagulant therapy and compression therapy. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, leg circumference, and pain level and administer the prescribed medication and stockings.

Choice C reason: This is the highest priority client because a myocardial infarction (MI) is a heart attack that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue damage or death. Chest pain and shortness of breath can indicate that the client is experiencing acute cardiac ischemia, which can lead to cardiac arrest or heart failure. MI is a lifethreatening emergency that requires immediate intervention and treatment. The nurse should activate the rapid response team, monitor the client's vital signs, electrocardiogram, and oxygen saturation, and administer the prescribed medication and oxygen.

Choice D reason: This is not the highest priority client because a stroke is a brain attack that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing tissue damage or death. Slurred speech and facial droop can indicate that the client is experiencing acute neurological impairment, which can affect their communication and facial expression. Stroke is a serious but not lifethreatening complication that requires prompt evaluation and treatment. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, neurological status, and glucose level and administer the prescribed medication and fluids.

Choice A reason: "I will take all prescribed medications." is not a statement that demonstrates an understanding of the teaching, because it is incomplete and vague. Taking all prescribed medications is an important part of the treatment for HIV, but it does not explain why, how, or for how long the medications are needed. Taking all prescribed medications without understanding the purpose, benefits, or risks can lead to poor adherence, compliance, or outcomes.

Choice B reason: "I will only need to take HIV medications for 6 months, and then I will be cured." is not a statement that demonstrates an understanding of the teaching, because it is incorrect and unrealistic. Taking HIV medications for 6 months is not enough to treat the infection, and there is no cure for HIV. HIV is a chronic and incurable infection that requires lifelong treatment with antiretroviral drugs, which can suppress the viral load, improve the immune function, and prevent the progression to AIDS. Stopping the medications after 6 months can cause the virus to rebound, the immune system to deteriorate, and the disease to worsen.

Choice C reason: "I will have to take medications for the rest of my life." is a statement that demonstrates an understanding of the teaching, because it is accurate and realistic. Taking medications for the rest of one's life is the reality of living with HIV, as there is no cure for the infection. Taking medications for the rest of one's life can help control the infection, maintain the health, and prolong the survival of people with HIV.

Choice D reason: "I will have to be careful and avoid crowds." is not a statement that demonstrates an understanding of the teaching, because it is unnecessary and exaggerated. Being careful and avoiding crowds is not a requirement for people with HIV, as the infection is not transmitted by casual contact, such as touching, hugging, or sharing utensils. Being careful and avoiding crowds can also be detrimental to the social and emotional wellbeing of people with HIV, as it can cause isolation, stigma, or depression.